5 Wild IBM Predictions: Computers That Can Smell, Taste And More

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Today we use our smartphones to shop for the comfiest sweater or softest bed sheets money can buy. But can we ever really be sure those new sheets have a 500 thread count without actually touching them first?

Worry not, because according to IBM, the next half-decade will usher in a new infrared and haptic technology that will enable a smartphone's touchscreen and vibration technologies to actually simulate the sensation of touch. Users, then, will be able to reach out and touch those bed sheets or that new sweater directly on their smartphone screen, instead of just banking on the accuracy of a product description.